Vacation in the states, renting a car, any suggestions? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

MRCboicgy · 08-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Hey gang, who better than CP to ask this one?

Going to be down in the states (flying), and will be renting a car. Any suggestions on which companies to deal with or not deal with (I'm over 25, sadly so no worries there).

I've seen some good deals from Enterprise and Alamo, but up here I've only rented from Budget and Avis and was wondering if there's any difference with the companies south of the border.
Thx!

flip · 08-08-2009, 07:17 PM

Steal one. Cheaper and more fun.

(sorry I'm no help)

Displaced Flames fan · 08-08-2009, 07:17 PM

They're pretty much all the same. I'd look at what cars they offer and if you prefer one make over the other go from there.

Where are you flying to? Another thing to consider is how close to the terminal the rental counter is. Most large cities there won't be a difference there either.

GreenTeaFrapp · 08-08-2009, 07:20 PM

Depends where you're going. Some places are better at different locations. I'm partial the places where you can pick your own car. That way you are probably not going to get stuck with some Chrysler piece of crap.

MRCboicgy · 08-08-2009, 07:24 PM

Ok, good to hear they are all pretty much the same to deal with. Going to Cali and picking one up in the terminal.

Didn't think about the makes of cars. Right now they say Ford Fusion or Chevy Impala or similar, so hopefully I don't get a Chrysler...that happened last year--booked a Pontiac, got a Dodge Avenger. After three hrs, I needed an osteopath...

Phanuthier · 08-08-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Ok, good to hear they are all pretty much the same to deal with. Going to Cali and picking one up in the terminal.

Didn't think about the makes of cars. Right now they say Ford Fusion or Chevy Impala or similar, so hopefully I don't get a Chrysler...that happened last year--booked a Pontiac, got a Dodge Avenger. After three hrs, I needed an osteopath...

If you are going to SF, get an auto, not manual transmission.

EDIT: Actually if you are going to SF, screw the car. Parkings a pain, transportation is great within SF. The only reason you'd need a car is if you are leaving the SF area. If you are really intent on having a car, get a small one and the rules for parking on the road are only the tires count for the red painted curbs, or at least thats what my cousin in SF said.

arsenal · 08-08-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenTeaFrapp

Depends where you're going. Some places are better at different locations. I'm partial the places where you can pick your own car. That way you are probably not going to get stuck with some American piece of crap.

Fixed!

They are all pretty much the same. It depends on what you want to drive around in. Compare prices etc, and go from there.

arsenal · 08-08-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

If you are going to SF, get an auto, not manual transmission.

You can't rent manual in north america. They are all automatic. Unless you are renting a sports car, then you can probably get a manual.

GreenTeaFrapp · 08-08-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Ok, good to hear they are all pretty much the same to deal with. Going to Cali and picking one up in the terminal.

Didn't think about the makes of cars. Right now they say Ford Fusion or Chevy Impala or similar, so hopefully I don't get a Chrysler...that happened last year--booked a Pontiac, got a Dodge Avenger. After three hrs, I needed an osteopath...

You can get a car from pretty much any manufacturer. What they say on their website doesn't mean anything. If you go with National get their Emerald Aisle. I think Alamo has something similar. You to a kiosk, put in your information, get a printout, head out to the lot and pick your car from what they have in stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

If you are going to SF, get an auto, not manual transmission.

You have no worry about getting a manual transmission at any rental place in the US.

redforever · 08-08-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

If you are going to SF, get an auto, not manual transmission.

EDIT: Actually if you are going to SF, screw the car. Parkings a pain, transportation is great within SF. The only reason you'd need a car is if you are leaving the SF area. If you are really intent on having a car, get a small one and the rules for parking on the road are only the tires count for the red painted curbs, or at least thats what my cousin in SF said.

Parking is really at a premium in SF. Most hotels charge for you to park your car in their parking lot, average going price seemed to be about $15 a night when we were there this spring.

We never rented a car in SF, as you said, public transportation is great and you can walk almost anywhere.

Table 5 · 08-08-2009, 08:00 PM

I've had to rent a car a lot when i used to travel for business. The only advice I can give is to always book the cheapest car possible.....they NEVER have the small ones, and will upgrade you for the same price. I used to rent from Alamo a lot, and I did this all the time and never once did I drive an economy car even though thats the rate I paid.

Phanuthier · 08-08-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Wy do you assume he is going to San Fran, you gaycist!

I took a guess, 1/5 chance. Nobody goes to California to go to Pleasonton or Bakersfield.

MRCboicgy · 08-08-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I took a guess, 1/5 chance. Nobody goes to California to go to Pleasonton or Bakersfield.

I'm so offended

LA and San Diego--driving between the two. Have done SF many times, just not this year.

Phanuthier · 08-08-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

I'm so offended

LA and San Diego--driving between the two. Have done SF many times, just not this year.

Ah have fun with LA traffic... fag (white text w00t)

MRCboicgy · 08-08-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Ah have fun with LA traffic... fag (white text w00t)

If i get on camera at Conen's show, I'll tug my ear to say hi to you sweetie (or maybe tug something else is more up your alley?)

getbak · 08-08-2009, 08:25 PM

If you're flying into LAX, I prefer Alamo/National because they both allow you to choose your own car, and they have a really good selection.

Look for whatever discount codes you can find and try them all.

jjbouma · 08-08-2009, 08:27 PM

Going to LA, I believe all of the car rental places are a shuttle bus ride away from the LAX terminals (about 5 minutes). I used Enterprise in LA as they were the cheapest and had decent cars and decent customer service.

jjbouma · 08-08-2009, 08:38 PM

Going to LA, I believe all of the car rental places are a shuttle bus ride away from the LAX terminals (about 5 minutes). I used Enterprise in LA as they were the cheapest and had decent cars and decent customer service.

starseed · 08-08-2009, 08:57 PM

What are you doing in LA/San Diego?

Table 5 · 08-08-2009, 09:11 PM

I've done the drive from LA to San Diego...I recommend driving along the Pacific Coast Highway as much as possible. It's slower, but definitely much more beautiful. If you do so, you absolutely MUST stop at Taco Loco (http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/p...taco_loco.html) in Laguna Beach which is right on the PCH. Honestly, the best fish/seafood tacos I have ever had in my life. California has some great Mexican food in general....the best stuff is almost always from a truck.